EARLY PREVIEW OF TOP NCAA COLLEGE BASKETBALL TEAMS FOR 2018-19

It was just a few short months ago that the Villanova Wildcats cut down the nets to win the 2018 NCAA College Basketball Championship. In a game played in the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, Villanova cruised to a convincing 79-62 win over the Michigan Wolverines to capture their 2nd title in three seasons.

Can they do it again when the championship game is played on April 8th, 2019 at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota? Well, that remains to be seen. But the chances are good that Coach Jay Wright will have Vilanova in the running once again. And since it’s never too early to look ahead, here are some of the top teams expected to challenge for next years title.

Duke University

The Duke Blue Devils, led by legendary Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski, seem to always be in contention, and the 2018-19 season will be no exception. Even though the Blue Devils lost their entire starting lineup from a year ago, including freshman Marvin Bagley III and senior Grayson Allen, their is always talent ready to take their places.

Krzyzewski landed the top three recruits in the nation and 4 of the top 12 players overall to restock his team. Leading that group is RJ Barrett who may end up being the No. 1 pick in next years NBA Draft. Then there is 6’6” Zion Williamson who plays a physical and above the rim game. Cameron Reddish is the third star of the group at 6’7” with a 7’1” wingspan. Look for Duke to be in the running.

Kentucky Wildcats

Head Coach John Calipari always has a young but talented team whose roster turns over each season. Despite having 4 players drafted to the NBA, Calipari has once again reloaded with talent. Graduate transfer Reid Travis comes over from Stanford where the 6’8” forward averaged almost 20 points and 9 rebounds a game. They also added 5 of the top 40 prospects which includes power forward EJ Montgomery, guard Ashton Hagans and small forward Keldon Johnson. Expect the Wildcats to make some noise next year.

Kansas Jayhawks

The Jayhawks made it to last year’s Final Four where they lost a tough game to the eventual champion Villanova. Head Coach Bill Self is looking to get back there next year but this time is looking to win it all. Three key contributors from last year’s team are gone including guard Devonte’ Graham and forward Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk as well as guard Malik Newman. However, seven foot center Udoka Azubuike returns as well as two key five-star recruits. Joining the Jayhawks are guards Quentin Grimes and Devon Dotson to remake the backcourt while another McDonald’s All-American recruit David McCormack, a 6’10” center will team up with Azubuike up front. The Jayhawks are hoping to make a run in 2018-19.

Villanova Wildcats

Even though the Wildcats lost some key players to the NBA, don’t sleep on Wright having this team in the running once again. Returning are players who contributed to last season’s success including Eric Paschall and Phil Booth who will lead this team next year. Guard Collin Gillespie should be ready to take the reins from Jalen Brunson at the point and run the team. They also brought in some highly rated recruits in Jahvon Quinerly, Cole Swider and Brandon Slater. Villanova would like nothing more than to win back-to-back titles.